If you’re looking for an exciting, adventurous LGBTQ+ friendly hidden gem city to visit this summer, look no further than vibrant and fascinating Florianópolis in Brazil.
Queer travellers often prioritise visiting Rio de Janeiro, famed for its spectacular and flamboyant Carnival, a blend of traditional samba parades and lively street parties, held annually in February: an event that thoroughly embraces and includes the LGBTQ+ community.
However, the less well-known city of Florianópolis- Floripa, as its known to locals – is also very welcoming to LGBTQ+ tourists, and it, too, holds an annual queer-inclusive Carnival. Events include the “Blocos dos Sujos”: a traditional Floripa street party where men dress like women and women dress like men. Another fun event is the famous “Pop Gay Competition”, a beauty pageant for drag queens and trans people.
An island jewel in the South of Brazil
Floripa is both the the capital of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, and is built on Santa Catarina Island and surrounding small islands: a setting that gave rise to its other nickname, Ilha da Magia (Magic Island).
As well as being an extremely LGBTQ-friendly destination, Florianópolis is also very popular with adrenaline junkies of all kinds. Activities on offer include surfing, speedboat hire, white-water rafting, sea kayaking, horse riding, climbing and hiking; the beautiful Lagoinha do Leste trail (pictured at the top of this article) is particularly popular with tourist thanks to its incredible and scenic views.
The challenging trail takes you through Florianópolis’ unspoiled and wild Lagoinha do Leste Municipal Park. The path eventually leads to Morro da Coroa where visitors can take in a panoramic view of Lagoinha do Leste beach and the wider Florianópolis coastline.
If you feel hungry after all of that activity, you should check out Lagoa Azul, which, according to leading LGBTQ+ travel guide GayCities, is “one of the most unique restaurants in all of Florianópolis, chiefly because it’s only accessible by boat or by a two-mile hike. But the moqueca, or seafood stew, is a must-try dish — and it will soothe your soul as you stare out at the water.”
After a wholesome, invigorating day of hiking and watersports (the safe for work kind, that is), the next step is to plunge into Floripa’s incredible LGBTQ+ nightlife: and you’ll be spoiled for choice when you do.
Don’t miss: Bar do Deca
Some of the best gay bars and clubs in Florianópolis include Jivago Social Clube, Rapáshh Cruising Bar, Floribar Café Lounge, Mix Café, and the Sins Pub. Then there’s the super-popular Bar do Deca, a queer beach bar, known for its lavish parties, including hosting LGBTQ+ Carnival events.
If you’re looking for something spicier, travel bloggers The Nomadic Boys recommend Thermas Oceano – the area’s most popular gay sauna. They explain: “Inside, you’ll find a dark room, steam rooms, movie screenings, and a maze complete with hot guys and glory holes – a rather twisted Alice in Wonderland-like experience.”
In short, Florianópolis has something for absolutely every single LGBTQ+ traveller: from adventurous hiking trails to challenge sporty gays, to other, less Instagrammable, NSFW adventurous activities, as well as great nightlife, incredible food and a queer-friendly, inclusive and welcoming vibe. We’ll meet you there.
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